Interview: Razorbacks Land In-State Hidden Gem in 2021 LB Logan Moss
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Putting No. 4 anywhere close to the line of scrimmage, violent hits are about to occur and big plays will be made. The high school career for DeWitt’s Class of 2021 linebacker Logan Moss was a mix of run stuffing, ball jarring contact, and quarterback hunting rolled into one amazing highlight. As of Sunday, all that talent is headed to the Arkansas Razorbacks as a preferred walk-on.
Offenses throughout the state of Arkansas were put on notice during the 2018 season after Moss racked up 96 tackles, 31 solo, with 3.5 tackles for a loss, and two interceptions in just 10 games. The following 10-game season was a push beyond with 129 stops, 66 solo, and eight tackles for a loss. The Dragons’ 2020 season was limited to nine games, in stats posted through eight of those, the 6-0, 215-pound, versatile backer recorded 94 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles, and two picks.
After the season the Arkansas Razorbacks put forth, especially under defensive coordinator Barry Odom, prospects throughout the Natural State are excited about the future. Within that team dynamic, what linebacker Grant Morgan did for the Hogs has kids dreaming. The former walk-on was third in the nation in total tackles (111), missing out on the leaders tied at 113 stops, despite Morgan only playing in nine games.
If Morgan, at 5-11, 222-pounds, can be one of the nation’s best defenders earning first team All-SEC honors after walking on at Arkansas, why can’t others? That thought has Moss headed to Fayetteville for college.
In an RNG in-depth look, Moss stopped by the Lab for a conversation about his senior campaign and how the Hogs became his ideal fit over eight scholarship offers.
Interview
Logan, there is a never-ending kinetic pace and energy to your game on the gridiron. What lights that flame on Fridays playing at such a productive rate?
Having the motivation to win and be accountable for my team. Really, it is just wanting to win games, knowing what I have to do to win a game and helping the team out.
The Dragons were mixing it up on defense during the 2020 schedule putting you on the inside and outside at linebacker. What were the schemes you were running and what were your responsibilities within from week to week?
We had a couple of packages. In our base, I was at Mike linebacker reading A to B gap on most plays. On passing plays I had the hook to the curl in coverage. It was a gap scheme with middle linebacker reads. We also had a 4-4 stack that put me more on the outside. In the 4-4, I had C to D gap and I was some in the flats in coverage; that was later in the season. I was more in the box at inside linebacker making the plays.
Breaking this down from the inside out. As that inside linebacker, how did your game grow during your senior year?
As an inside linebacker, each year I try to understand the defense better and which reads to make at which time. Coming downhill and playing in coverage improved. I have improved on that every year and did so again this year.
And what about as an outside backer?
Pretty similar in ways I improved. At outside linebacker you have to contain and not let them get outside, I’d work to the line of scrimmage. I improved in a similar way at outside linebacker to understanding my role and my job to better my team. I think the only difference is outside containment and playing in the flats.
Your ability to read a play coupled with the speed to make it stands out. That knack for producing a tackle for a loss, forcing a fumble, and/or picking off a pass, does that come from film study, natural instincts, or both?
Really both. Film study definitely helps a ton understanding what the offense will do and their tendencies so I do not hesitate to make a play when I see it. As a linebacker, you have to have the instincts to make the play and find the ball.
When you closed out your senior year, what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game as a defender?
Some of my strengths are stopping the run, playing downhill, reading, dissecting plays, and being able to make that play. Another strength of mine is my play in the open field, making an open field tackle, and getting into coverage.
On Sunday you announced accepting a preferred walk-on offer with the Hogs. For those who may not understand, how important and exciting is it for an in-state recruit to play football for Arkansas tell us about it?
I have said it before, every kid’s dream in Arkansas and in any sport, you want to play for the Razorbacks. Any kid in Arkansas will more than likely grow up wanting to play for the Hogs. Having the opportunity, to be on the team and contribute to the Hogs, that is crazy. It is a dream come true really.
Through the recruiting process, how did the Hogs become the program for you?
During the summer, I talked with Dax (Courtney); we are good friends and teammates. He committed to Arkansas in August. As he got close with them, he pushed my name to their coaches. They watched my film and got my stats from my junior year. They kept showing interest during the season. They let Dax know they’d try to get a spot for me.
Last week, we reached out to one another and finalized that situation. That is how that came about. I thought it was too good an opportunity to pass up. I had offers from D-II schools like Southern Arkansas, East Central University, and Northeastern State. With each of those coaches, I had great relationships. But to play for the Hogs and contribute to the team, I felt like I had no other option to be honest.
How are the Arkansas coaches seeing you fit into their scheme?
At inside linebacker mostly. That is what I have been recruited as this whole time.
Throughout the offseason, what are your goals, what will you work on, preparing to play college ball in the SEC?
Getting my body right and my body prepared. Getting bigger, faster, and stronger will be my main focuses. I will be studying film by myself on the teams we are playing and on Arkansas’ defense to be as prepared as I can be when I get there. The goal is to make myself better and put myself in the best position possible.
Logan, I enjoyed talking to you today getting the background on your senior season and commitment to Arkansas. Wishing you the best of luck preparing over the offseason for your freshman season at Arkansas.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Moss family; Logan Moss